Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 816

Only the elder Mr. Williams looked truly upset.

Normally, Dennis Williams talking back to him was nothing new. But now, Dennis had openly contradicted him in front of so many guests, not even bothering to spare him a bit of dignity.

And the one he’d always thought highly of, Cynthia Lee, had become the butt of a private joke.

Unable to stay any longer, Mr. Williams quickly found an excuse and left.

Douglas Williams and Charlotte Kelly didn’t hesitate to follow.

But before leaving, Charlotte Kelly quietly gave Camila Davis’s hand a reassuring squeeze and winked at her, whispering, “Don’t worry about any of this. Dennis is on your side, and so are we.”

Camila felt a comforting warmth at these words.

She nodded and murmured back, “I know. Thank you.”

Audrey Williams grinned playfully at her and added, “Camila, I’m on your side too, you know!”

Camila couldn’t help but laugh. “I know that, Audrey.”

Once the Williams family had left, Sarah Brown was still hanging onto Larry Adams, laughing so hard she could barely stand.

Camila shook her head and went over, tugging Sarah’s hand. “You’re being ridiculous. Seriously, there are so many people watching at this gala. Where’s your poise?”

Sarah wiped away tears of laughter and apologized, “I’m sorry, I really tried, but just thinking about that sour look on Natalie’s face… it’s priceless. And now—look at her!”

She broke down laughing all over again.

Larry Adams and the others, curious, glanced over as well.

Cynthia Lee was out on the dance floor, already dancing with Natalie’s boyfriend.

Natalie, watching them, looked like she was suffering through the world’s worst stomachache.

Mrs. Molly couldn’t help but let out a chuckle and shook her head. “Some people just don’t learn until they get burned.”

Dahlia Sutton nodded in agreement. “You’re absolutely right.”

Mrs. Molly looked around at the group with a warm smile. “After all the drama tonight, you youngsters haven’t had a proper chance to relax. Camila, why don’t you and your boyfriend, and the rest of your friends, go dance? We adults will have a nice chat and keep an eye on things. I’ll look after your parents.”

Neville Parsons and the Sanders couple had no objections.

Camila hesitated, glancing at her parents.

Jerry Davis and Melissa George nodded encouragingly. “Go on, have fun. Don’t worry about us.”

Larry Adams, loyal as ever, clapped Walter on the shoulder. “Come on, Mr. Wilson. Do it for Audrey. She just got back from overseas—let her have some fun. All of us have partners, she’d be all alone otherwise.”

Walter glanced at him. “She doesn’t need me. Jarvis Peters—”

But Jarvis, seeing the setup, cut in first. “Sorry, can’t help you. I promised Ms. Robinson a dance. Can’t leave her hanging, can I?”

Walter fell silent. He was starting to suspect they’d all planned this, but he didn’t have any proof.

Cornered by his friends, Walter finally gave in and accepted Audrey’s invitation.

The four new pairs were already the focus of the evening; now, as they took to the floor, the attention in the ballroom shifted entirely to them.

The other guests, sensing something special, made room at the center and watched from the sidelines.

Cynthia Lee’s opening waltz was winding to a close. She caught sight of the new arrivals and missed a step, nearly tripping over her partner’s foot. She quickly recovered, but her face had grown even more sour.

Camila ignored her. Her attention was fixed instead on Audrey Williams and Walter Wilson.

That pairing, she had to admit, was strikingly good-looking—almost movie-worthy.

Dennis Williams noticed that even though Camila had followed him onto the dance floor, her gaze was still wandering. He gave an amused sigh, gently tilted her chin back toward him, and asked, “What are you looking at?”